Vatican Confirms Date of Canonization for Two Former Popes

Franco Origlia/Getty Images(VATICAN CITY) — A statement from the Vatican on Monday confirmed the date on which former Popes John Paul II and John XXIII will be declared saints.

The double canonization will take place on April 27, 2014, says BBC News, and will be the first in the Church’s history. Pope Francis will officiate the ceremony and former Pope Benedict — who stepped down earlier this year — will also be present. The announcement confirms the date first reported earlier this month by the National Catholic Register.

Pope Francis announced in July that both popes would be canonized after a second miracle was attributed to John Paul. Pope Francis made the uncommon decision to waive the requirement of a second miracle in the case of Pope John XXIII.